Cooktown Botanic Gardens and Gallop Botanic Reserve

Nature's Powerhouse Visitor Information Centre at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens provides all the information you need to explore this site. Established in 1878 as the Gallop Botanic Reserve, it comprises a formal botanic garden, and a substantial natural forest and ocean frontage.

It commemorates the work of naturalists Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander on HMS Endeavour who collected and documented botanical specimens from the district in 1770. A century later Cooktown was the main port for the Palmer River gold fields. Thousands of Chinese landed here, later settling in Cooktown. The Chinese had market gardens here and produced charcoal from timber felled on site.

After the declaration of a botanical reserve, a road was built, a nursery established and trees and shrubs ordered from the Acclimatisation Society in Brisbane. During the 1890s, stone lined paths, stone pitched pools and stone-work bridges were built and the nursery supplied ornamental trees for Cooktown. The gardens suffered in the 1907 cyclone, were closed after World War One and were not rebuilt until 1979. The gardens now boast an exotic plant section, a palm garden, a native plants section and 'Solander's Garden' which is used by tourists and locals for recreational and educational purposes.

The true adventure on the Bruce Highway begins through the Bundaberg North Burnett Region. From Buxton in the south through to Miriam Vale in the north. Bushrangers, barra, ancient predators, exotic treasures, liquid gold, frozen and bottled delights, history and heritage, and art displays await those travelling to the region.

Childers Library offers various items for loan to members including bookings, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and eDownloads. Visitors are able to join the Library as temporary members by paying a refundable security deposit.

Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo is a fun and affordable day out to be enjoyed by the whole family. Admission cost includes the opportunity to handle a python, view snake shows, a koala talk and a crocodile feeding display and enjoy guided tours of various static displays.

This delightful drive route winds from the cane city of Bundaberg out to stunning Cania Gorge, taking in tiny townships and quaint countryside along the way. You'll enjoy food, wine and rum (of course), historical buildings, vineyards, agriculture and mining, before marveling at the cliffs, gorges, caves and Aboriginal art of Cania Gorge National Park.

The north Burnett town of Gayndah is known for its oranges, and Queensland's most impressive outdoor honour board to war heroes.
Harold Wilson, from nearby Cooranga station, privately commissioned the memorial, presenting it to Rawbelle and Gayndah councils in 1921 in honour of the 270 local men who enlisted in WWI.

Australia's participation in WWI had an immense impact on the population. Almost one in five men who went to fight, died. That was certainly the experience in the Wide Bay's tiny farming community of Apple Tree Creek.

You can't avoid Bass and Barra when it comes to Lake Monduran.
You can do Barramundi charters, fish yourself for barra on the lake, eat barra, picnic with barra, barbecue with Barra and even be in a competition to catch the biggest Barra.

Gayndah is known as the citrus capital of Queensland and also the home of the Big Orange. Visit between April and October to taste the fresh juice made from the citrus growing on the property. The cafe serves up delectable Devonshire Teas and Real Bean Coffees.

Off The Wagon Tours offer a range of tours around Childers, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, Queensland.
Enjoy a day out visiting the Childers wineries sampling unique and varied wines including fruit wines, morning tea, local produce lunch, local area commentary and of course a driver.

The incredible legend of RM Williams lays at the end of this drive which takes you from Bundaberg, past the Boolboonda Tunnel, out towards Mount Perry and onwards to Eidsvold. Measuring some 180 kilometres long, take your time to enjoy this peaceful corner of regional Queensland.